Ridgelines: What’s your mountain town New Year’s resolution?
Don’t look now, but 2023 is just about in the history books, and a fresh, new 2024 is coming fully into view. As my chairlift companions turned from Salt Lakers to guests from around the globe, it was evident that the holiday season had arrived! So what is your New Year’s resolution?
Olympic champion Ted Ligety has been ripping turns at Deer Valley Resort. Ted echoes many of us who had our paradigm changed last year when he said simply. “More snow!” But he did keep it in perspective. “I’m not asking for another 600+ inch year, but 300-400 inches would be nice.” Ted also realizes that skiing is still great here, even in drier times, and groomers make it much easier with three little boys.
Park City Mayor Nann Worel fessed up in her pledge. “One of my resolutions is to actually use my season pass in the New Year,” she said sheepishly, not having put on ski boots last year. Nann started skiing at Washington’s Snoqualmie Pass in fifth grade, later joining the ski patrol to get a free pass.
X Games champion Alex Schlopy grew up here, learning to ski at just 18 months old. He’s thankful to live in such a beautiful place surrounded by incredible people who share his love for the outdoors. His resolution: spend more time with Mother Nature and learn how to fly fish! Any guides to help him out?
Avery Rognan, one of the youngest U.S. Ski & Snowboard employees, has been skiing for 10 years, moving from cross country to downhill because she loves riding chairlifts! She is grateful for her opportunity to be a junior mentor for SOS Outreach, helping introduce the next generation of kids to the sport she loves.
The Youth Sports Alliance provided Victoria Rosales an entre to sport. “I’m thankful in this coming New Year for everything I have experienced,” she said. From riding with the RISE Mountain Bike Team to skiing the slopes with SOS Outreach, she recognizes how the mountain environment has benefited her and is grateful for her parents signing her up for all the extracurricular activities.
At Rennstall’s tuning shop at the Deer Valley shuttle turnaround, longtime Olympic ski and board technician Andy Buckley is busy with the holiday rush. He’s thankful that his family enjoys skiing as much as he does, making for some amazing memories — and that fact that he’s still living the dream of a ski bum lifestyle.
Over at Woodward, things are bustling this holiday season. Senior Parks Manager Benny McGinnis’ resolution is to ride three new resorts this year. He’s also thankful for the two new PistenBullys to help craft some killer features at Woodward this winter. A North Carolina native, he’s worked in Tahoe, Vermont and Utah (his fave).
Woodward Patrol Supervisor Ashley Venable is thankful to work at a place with something for everyone in Park City. “I had no idea communities like Park City existed — it’s a small town with big opportunities!” She’s especially looking forward to The Uninvited Invitational women’s event in April.
“The New Year is a time for us to reflect on all the incredible abundance we have,” said Shaun Raskin-Deutschlander, who is the founder, owner and lead guide for Inspired Summit Adventures, the premier year-round backcountry guide service based in Park City. She moved to town in 2005, met her future husband, Weston, on the slopes of Park City Mountain, and has been guiding ever since. Most important, though, are the family adventures with seven-year-old daughter River and their two dogs.
Deer Valley Resort President Todd Bennett is spending the second holiday with his family in Park City. It’s a busy time for the resort, with Todd often seen out on the hill greeting guests. “I am thankful for the passionate and dedicated team at Deer Valley who always puts our guests first and works tirelessly over the holidays so others can enjoy time with their friends and family at our resort,” he said.
A tibial plateau fracture took Park City Chamber/Bureau President and CEO Jennifer Wesselhoff off the slopes last year. As she’s tested the knee this season, the sound of skis on snow and the cold air on her face had her reflecting philosophically.
“They say the beauty of music lies in the space between the notes,” she said. “We truly grasp the essence of what we cherish when there’s an emptiness to juxtapose with the delight. My recovery and comeback have heightened my love for the outdoors, my appreciation for our mountains, and my admiration for what makes our community so special.”
Simply said, we live in a pretty nice place. But while the mountains take our breath away, what makes it really special is the people.
Happy New Year!
Ridgelines: It’s hard to say goodbye
The early morning sun rising over the High Uintas cast shadows onto the rock-hard corduroy. A feeling of joy came over me as I set an edge in the snow, linking arcs down the frozen mountainside. It’s springtime in the Wasatch!
Barnes & Noble plans to open first Wasatch Back location in Kimball Junction
“We’re always striving to expand and/or establish bookselling communities, especially in areas where they may be lacking,” said Braeden Boyle, associate manager of communications. “As we were not currently represented in this market, we had already been on the lookout for the right space in Park City, and were thrilled when we finally found a fit. The more bookstores, the better.”
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